Aerosol hydraulic drain opener

ABSTRACT

Apparatus for clearing waste stoppage from conduits such as pipes and drains. The device employs the hydraulic ram principle wherein a column of water or other liquid is used as a flexible shaft between the aerosol drain opener and the stoppage or obstruction. The device employed is an aerosol can capable of withstanding at least 72 psig. at 70*F.

United States Patent Pittet [1111 3,823,427 11 July 16, 1974 AEROSOLHYDRAULIC DRAIN OPENER [75] inventor: Gilbert H. Pittet, West Paterson,

[73] Assignee: Lever Brothers Company, New

York, NY.

221 Filed: Apr. 23, 1973 21 Appl. No.: 353,858

[52] US. Cl 4/255, 134/17, 134/22 C,

134/24, 134/166 C, 15/407 [51] Int. Cl B08b 5/00, B08b 9/00, E03d 11/00[58] Field of Search 4/255, 256; 15/406, 407;

134/17, 22 C, 24,166 C, 167 C, 168 C, 169 C; 239/337, 373, 579, DIG. 13

[5 6] Referenees Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,156,584 10/1964 Yurdin134/17 3,306,252 2/1967 Knight et a1. 239/337 3,315,280 4/1967 Krenn4/255 3,426,774 2/1969 Conn 15/406 X 3,562,014 2/1971 Childers et a1134/22 C Primary Examiner-Joseph Scovronek Assistant Examiner-Barry l.Hollander Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Richard A. Gaither, Esq.; Melvin H.Kurtz, Esq.; Arnold Grant, Esq.

[5 7] ABSTRACT Apparatus for clearing waste stoppage from conduits suchas pipes and drains. The device employs the hydraulic ram principlewherein a column of water or other liquid is used as a flexible shaftbetween the aerosol drain opener and the stoppage or obstruction. Thedevice employed is an aerosol can capable of withstanding at least 72psig. at 70F.

2 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures 1 AEROSOL HYDRAULIC DRAIN OPENER BACKGROUNDOF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The invention relates to theuse of the hydraulic ram principle to clear blocked pipes, drains andother conduits. The principle, simply stated, involves the suddenapplication of gas pressure to impart a shock to a column of water (orother liquid) against the blockage,

thus clearing the clogged conduit of the blocking waste material. Theinstant invention, however, employs this principle byusing an aerosolcontainer in order to clear said clogged conduits. The advantages ofthis invention will be immediately obvious not only to one skilled inthe art but also the ultimate consumer for whom this invention isintended. The immediate advantage of the invention is the providing of aclean, non-toxic and rapid way to open a stopped drain with the use ofan aerosol container without incurring the expense and delay of callingin outside help.

2. Description of the Prior Art Clogged pipes and drains are acommon andrecurring problem to the consumer. The solution to this problem is onethat incurs expense, delay and sometimes aggravation when having todepend on outside help. Other solutions involve the use of harsh and/ortoxic chemicals requiring the utmost in care and safety, especiallywhere there are small children. While there are presently non-chemicalmeans available'to the consumer to assist in solving the clogged drainproblem, there is not, to applicants knowledge, any such means employingthe'hydraulic ram principle by use of an aerosol container presentlyavailable to the public.

One of the prior art non-chemical means generally employed utilizes apercussion method, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,877,781 wherein awater tight percussion apparatus permits firing of a cartridge so thatthe shockfrom the cartridge moves through the liquid in the pipedislodging the waste therefrom. Another means employed is basically thatof a piercing means wherein an assembly contains eitheran aerosol can ora pressurized gas cartridge which is pierced in order to allow a streamof gas to pass through a clogged pipe thus clearing the blockage. Thisprocedure is exemplified by U.S. Patents to Stearns, 2;999,264; Caplanet al. 3,l38,8(l3;Frohlich, 3,280,419; and Krenn 3,315,280. There areother so-called portable means presently employed to clear cloggedconduits such as Yurdin,

. U .S. Pat. No. 3,156,584 which discloses theuse ofa' liquefied gascarrier for solvent material for the removal of sludge accumulationsfrom pipe lines, The contemplated apparatus of Yurdin, however, is notone readily convenient to the consumer. A patent toConn,

U.S. Pat. No. 3,426,774, discloses theuse of the hy draulic ramprinciple but his apparatus utilizes a piercing'means to releasecompressed gas from a bottle or cartridge for a single operation of theram.

It is an object of the instant invention to provide an aerosol hydraulicram for use in cleaning blocked pipes, drains, and other conduitswherein a sudden application of gas pressure is employed to impart ashock to a column of water (or other liquid) against the blockage. Theram comprises an aluminum or steel container, a conventional inverted,vertical action aerosol valve of the reciprocating type by which aliquefied gas or propellant within the container may be applied to thecolumn of water, and. an actuator assembly functioning as a sealing plugwhich may be inserted directly into the blocked pipe which is to becleared. Unlike prior art devices, the aerosol of the instant inventionis used without an external cylinder or shell and is capable of multipleapplications. The multiple application feature arises from the use of avertical on-off valve of the reciprocating type as opposed to a piercingmechanism, as disclosed in the prior art, said valve also allows for ahigh delivery rate of liquefied gas or propellant. The aerosol isconstructed of materials, preferablysteel or aluminum, that will allowthe container to withstand an internal pressure of at least 72 psig. at70F. The container is filled with a liquefied nonflammable propellant ora blend of propellants having vapor pressures of from about 30-70,preferably about 40-60 psig. at 70F. It can readily be seen that full advantage of the propellant expansion ratio is taken when the liquefiedpropellant is released from the aerosol under these conditions. If theuse of blends of propellants arecontemplated, one skilled in the art canselect blends that will result in the desired vapor pressure, cost,solvency, and specific gravity. The size of the container can vary from2-16 ounces, preferably 4-8 ounces, to permit multiple uses of thedevice. Normally, each application will require from about 15 to aboutgrams of liquefied propellant, however, from about 25 to 30 grams ofpropellant is generally satisfactory. This small amount of propellant isdue to the fact that there is no vapor head space between the dispensinghead and the column of water. The propellant(s) preferablynon-flammable, may be selected from such gases as propellant l2(dichlorodifluoromethane), vinylchloride, propellant 22(monochlorotrifluoromethane), propellant ll (trichlorofluoromethane),propellant 1.14 (dichlorotetrafluoroethane) or mixtures thereof. Blendsof the non-flammable fluorocarbon propellants, mentioned above, withhydrocarbon propellants or dimethyl ether may also be used. Also withinthe scope of the invention is the use of blends of compressed gases suchas carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, etc. with suitable vapor depressantsand fluorocarbon propellant. Suitable hydrocarbon propellants that maybe used in admixture with the fluorocarbon propellants are propane,butane, and isobutane.

The use of the instant invention is relatively simple as compared toprior art devices. In order to clear a clogged drain or pipe, one merelyfills the clogged drain with water, then sealingly inserts the actuatorassembly in the end of the clogged pipe, holding the actuator assemblyhead with one hand, the other hand holding the aerosol vertically inplace and pressing downwardly toward the pipe opening with a forceexceeding the externalspring resistance set at 10-30 pounds, preferably15-25, more preferably 20 pounds. For the sake of clarity, although theexternal spring is inside the nozzle portion of the actuator assembly itis external to the actuator itself. The valve is forced openeddelivering a surge of liquefied propellant to the pipe opening whichblows out the obstructing material therein.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the present inventionthe drain opener comprises a. a conventional aluminum or steelaerosolcontainer having the capability of withstanding at least about 72psig. at F;

b. an inverted, vertical action valve having a large stem orifice whichallows for a high delivery rate and multiple applications, said valveassembly being mounted in the end of said container and being of thevertical reciprocation type such that a force applied to said deviceresults in the discharge of a liquefied propellant therethrough;

c. an actuator assembly functioning as a sealing plug which is insertedinto the conduit to be cleared comprising an external spring, a collarmounted in the valve cup, and a resilient head so arranged as to besealingly inserted in the end of a clogged pipe; wherein said deviceemploys the expansion ratio of the liquefied propellants in order toclear the clogged conduits, said liquefied propellants being selectedfrom the group consisting of freon, vinyl chloride and mixtures thereofand having a vapor pressure of from about 30-70 psig. at 70F, preferably40-60 psig. at 70F.

So that a full understanding of the present invention may be provided,reference will be made to the accompanying drawings which form a part ofthis specification and wherein:

FIG. I is a partial sectional view of the actuator assembly inconjunction with the aerosol can, both comprising the device of theinstant invention;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the nozzle, which acts as a sealing plug of theinstant device;

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the nozzle showing the external ribs inside thenozzle which support and guide the nozzle over the body of the can;

FIG. 4 shows the instant drain opening device with the locking featureincorporated therein as illustrated by cutaway section AA; and,

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along Line AA of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the complete drain opening device of theinstant invention.

Referring now to the drawings and more particularly to FIG. I, there isshown the aerosol can 10 upon which is mounted an actuator assembly. Theactuator assembly comprises a domed shaped nozzle 12 capable of beingsealingly inserted into the opening of a clogged drain, said nozzle 12having circumferentially disposed about the largest diameter thereof aflange 14, said flange 14 being capable of serving as a supporting sealfor the actuator assembly. An internally ribbed sleeve 16 having guideribs 18, shown with greater particularity in FIG. 3, distends from saidflange 14, said sleeve 16 having a diameter equal to the largestdiameter of the domed shaped nozzle 12 and being in operablerelationship with can 10. The dome shaped nozzle 12 having an annularpassage in open communication with an actuator 20 which is internallydisposed in said nozzle, said annular passage having concentricallydisposed therein frustoconical surfaces 22, 24, 26, terminating at thesurface of a collar 30 said collar supports an external spring 40. Thecollar 30 comprises a flange 32, a depending ring 34 having a seat 36,the ring 34 interengages with and snaps into the valve cup 52 of valveassembly 50. The depending ring 34 is preferably made of a resilienttype of material such as plastic to facilitate its interengagement withthe valve cup 52. Said valve assembly 50 is one that is conventional inthe art and need not be further described other than to say that itcomprises a valve cup 52, a valve stem 54, and a valve body, not shown.This entire assembly is of the vertical reciprocating type. The collarfurther comprises an upstanding ring 38 having a series ofcircumferentially arranged spring engaging ribs 39. The upstanding ring38 in conjunction with the ribs 39 and the flange 32 pro vide a seat forthe spring 40.

A preferred form of the present invention will feature a child-prooflocking arrangement comprising a locking rib 60, a locking collar and alocking slot shown with greater particularity in FIG. 4, cutaway sectionA--A. Said locking rib 60 is externally disposed to the actuator 20 andsaid locking slot 80 being disposed on said locking collar 70.Identifying marks 11 on the sleeve of the nozzle 12 and can 10respectively are present in order to insure that the drain opener isproperly aligned for operation. Rotation of the nozzle unit in eitherdirection will lock the device.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of cutaway section AA which shows the valvecup 52 external spring 40 and the stem 54 of the valve cup.

Several additives may be incorporated with the propellant(s), e.g.detergents, germicides, solvents, corrosion inhibitors, deodorants, andenzymes, to assist in the clearing and cleaning of blocked conduits.Suitable detergent materials may be selected from anionic and cationicsurfactants which are soluble in the aerosol media, such as thewell-known linear alkylbenzene sulfonates, i.e. LAS, and the variousquaternary ammonium compounds. These and other surfactants usable in theinstant invention are described in Schwartzand Perry Surface ActiveAgents, Vol I & II, Interscience Publishers, NY. 1949 and 1958(incorporated herein by reference).

In situations where a drain or pipe is only partially clogged, animpregnated disposable plug may be inserted into the pipe or drain toform a temporary seal. The drain or pipe can then be filled and theaerosol used as described above. This plug may be impregnated with suchthings as a deodorant, sanitizer, enzyme, lubricant or detergent toassist in the cleaning operation. There may be occasions wherein adisposable plug cannot be inserted into the drain orifice because ofobstructions, such as strainers of various types. In these instances anychipped or granulated water soluble materials may be used in place ofthe plug. It is also within the scope of the instant invention to employa stemless valve with a large valve seat orifice in lieu of the valveassembly 50.

The following non-limiting examples are shown to illustrate the instantinvention.

EXAMPLE I The following is a description of a typical application of theinstant invention wherein the propellant comprises a 60/40 mixture byweight of propellant l2 and propellant 114.

A slow or clogged drain is generally described as one having a flow rateof about l-3 gallons per minute. When this condition persists, theinstant invention is utilized as follows:

1. All drain obstructions that can be removed are removed.

2. Fill the sink, tub, or drain containing area with about 2 inches ofwater.

3. Plug all vents and connecting plumbing arrangements to prevent anydissipation of pressure.

The device is then placed over the drain orifice with one hand. Theother hand is used to depress the device by pushing the aerosol canvertically downward. This 1. All percentages are by weight unlessotherwise specifled.

EXAMPLE 2 The following formulation typifies the use of a solvent, vapordepressant, deodorizer with the propellant.

by Wt. Propellant l2 90.0 d-Limonene 10.0 100.0

A solvent, perfume, deodorizer, vapor depressant.

EXAMPLE 3 The following formulation is an illustration wherein adetergent and mixture of propellants is incorporated.

by Wt. Propellant l2 75.0 Vinyl chloride 15.0 d-Limonene 9.0 LAS 1.0100.0

EXAMPLE 4 The following is an example of a mixture of propellants.

% b Wt. 50.0 50.0

Propellant l2 Aerothene TT (1,1,1 trichlorethane) EXAMPLE 5 Thefollowing is a mixture of propellants with other minor additives withinthe scope of this invention.

% by Wt.

Propcllant l2 Propcllant l 1 29.0 Misc. A...

EXAMPLE 6 This example illustrates the use of a compressed gas with apropellant mixture.

% by Wt.

It will be understood that the instant invention is capable of obviousvariations and modifications without departing from its scope.

What is claimed is:

1. An aerosol hydraulic device for use in clearing waste stoppage inconduits through the ram effect of liquid comprising:

a. an aluminum or steel aerosol container having the caplability ofwithstanding at least about 72 psig. at 70 b. an inverted, verticalaction valve assembly having a large stem orifice'which allows for ahigh delivery rate and multiple applications, said valve assembly beingmounted in the end of said container and being of the verticalreciprocation type, such that a force applied to said device results inthe discharge of a liquefied propellant therethrough;

c. an external spring,

d. an actuator assembly functioning as a sealing plug which is insertedinto the conduit to be cleared comprising a dome shaped nozzle capableof being sealingly inserted into the opening of saidconduit; said nozzlehaving circumferentially disposed about the largest diameter thereof aflange which serves as a supporting seal; distending from said flangeand having a diameter equal to the largest diameter of said dome shapednozzle is an internally ribbed sleeve, said ribs acting as guide ribs;said sleeve being in an operable relationship with said container; saidnozzle further contains an annular passage in open communication with anactuator which is internally disposed in said nozzle; said annularpassage having concentrically disposed therein frusto-conical surfacesterminating at the surface of a collar which supports said externalspring; said collar comprises a flange, a depending ring containing aseat; said depending ring interengages with and snaps into the valve cupof said valve assembly; said collar further comprises an upstanding ringhaving circumferentially arranged thereon spring engaging ribs; saidflange, spring engaging ribs, and upstanding ring providing a seat forsaid external spring, wherein said device employs the expansion ratio ofthe liquefied propellants in order to clear the clogged conduits, saidliquefied propellants being selected from the group consisting of freon,vinyl chloride, monochlorotrifluoromethane, trichlorofluoromethane,dichlorotetrafiuoroethane, and mixtures thereof.

2. An aerosol hydraulic device according to claim 1 wherein. theactuator assembly has incorporated therein a locking device comprising alocking rib, a locking collar and a locking slot; said locking rib beingdisposed externally to the actuator and said locking slot being disposedon said locking collar which is mounted in the valve cup of the valveassembly wherein locking is accomplished by rotation of the actuatorassembly,

thereby preventing actuation of said device.

1. An aerosol hydraulic device for use in clearing waste stoppage inconduits through the ram effect of liquid comprising: a. an aluminum orsteel aerosol container having the capability of withstanding at leastabout 72 psig. at 70*F; b. an inverted, vertical action valve assemblyhaving a large stem orifice which allows for a high delivery rate andmultiple applications, said valve assembly being mounted in the end ofsaid container and being of the vertical reciprocation type, such that aforce applied to said device results in the discharge of a liquefiedpropellant therethrough; c. an external spring, d. an actuator assemblyfunctioning as a sealing plug which is inserted into the conduit to becleared comprising a dome shaped nozzle capable of being sealinglyinserted into the opening of said conduit; said nozzle havingcircumferentially disposed about the largest diameter thereof a flangewhich serves as a supporting seal; distending from said flange andhaving a diameter equal to the largest diameter of said dome shapednozzle is an internally ribbed sleeve, said ribs acting as guide ribs;said sleeve being in an operable relationship with said container; saidnozzle further contains an annular passage in open communication with anactuator which is internally disposed in said nozzle; said annularpassage having concentrically disposed therein frusto-conical surfacesterminating at the surface of a collar which supports said externalspring; said collar comprises a flange, a depending ring containing aseat; said depending ring interengages with and snaps into the valve cupof said valve assembly; said collar further comprises an upstanding ringhaving circumferentially arranged thereon spring engaging ribs; saidflange, spring engaging ribs, and upstanding ring providing a seat forsaid external spring, wherein said device employs the expansion ratio ofthe liquefied propellants in order to clear the clogged conduits, saidliquefied propellants being selected from the group consisting of freon,vinyl chloride, monochlorotrifluoromethane, trichlorofluoromethane,dichlorotetrafluoroethane, and mixtures thereof.
 2. An aerosol hydraulicdevice according to claim 1 wherein the actuator assembly hasincorporated therein a locking device comprising a locking rib, alocking collar and a locking slot; said locking rib being disposedexternally to the actuator and said locking slot being disposed on saidlocking collar which is mounted in the valve cup of the valve assemblywherein locking is accomplished by rotation of the actuator assembly,thereby preventing actuation of said device.